File Your Taxes From Your Smartphone

Still need to file your taxes? There’s an app for that! Tax payers on-the-go can file their taxes via their smartphones for free! Below I review three apps that can help you this tax season.

Would you consider filing your taxes via your smartphone?

Filing taxes via a mobile phone is best for taxpayers who are filing simple returns, i.e. a 1040EZ. To file on your mobile, you must take the standard deduction, have no dependents, and earn less than $100,000 a year ($120,000 if filing jointly). You can be single or married (filing jointly). If that’s you, here are your options:

TurboTax SnapTax – Good for both iPhone and Android users. The app uses the built-in camera on your phone to help simplify the data entry process. Just snap a photo of your W-2, and SnapTax scans the document and pulls out your income and other pertinent information. Then answer a few personal questions, and presto, you’ll be able to file your taxes. The app’s scanner doesn’t always input the correct information, so make sure to check for errors. Making edits is easy, if needed. TurboTax SnapTax provides the flexibility to complete more complicated returns online.

The app is free, but TurboTax charges you $24.99 to file both your state and federal tax return. To use SnapTax, Android users need version 2.1 of the operating system and preferably a camera with a resolution of 3 megapixels or better.

H&R Block Mobile App – Before you can use this app, you first need to create an H&R Block account. Oddly, existing H&R accounts won’t work with the app. This app let’s you prepare and e-file your state and federal taxes for free! This app is also better at correctly lifting your info from your W-2. Though, this app comes with more restrictions than SnapTax. Along with the restrictions mentioned above, users also can’t own real estate, or have dependents. H&R Block guarantees free audit support, free audit representation, and accurate calculations. Plus, H&R guarantees that you receive the maximum tax refund. Works on iPhone and Android.

No need to worry about the security of filing your taxes on your mobile. H&R Block Mobile encrypts your information. Of course, I wouldn’t suggest using a public internet connection to file your taxes.

IRS2GO – This free mobile app doesn’t allow you to file a return, but you can access your existing tax records on the go. You can also check the status of your 2012 return after it’s filed! You’ll also have access to the latest tax news and tips, instructional videos and other educational items from the IRS.

No matter how you file your 2012 taxes, remember the deadline is April 15.